Keep Your Holsters, Belts & Rigs Ready Through Heat, Sweat & Humidity
Summer’s great for cookouts, range days, and getting outdoors—but it’s rough on leather. If you're carrying daily or putting your gear to work in the heat, you’re up against three major enemies: sun, sweat, and humidity. These conditions can dry out, stain, warp, or crack your leather if you’re not maintaining it properly.
Here’s how to keep your holsters, belts, mag carriers, and other leather gear in fighting shape all summer long.
1. Sweat Happens — Wipe It Down
After a hot day of carry, especially IWB or OWB against bare skin, your gear will soak up sweat, body oils, and grit.
✅ Quick Tip:
Wipe your leather down with a soft, dry cloth after each use. This removes surface moisture and keeps salt and grime from setting into the leather.
Never use harsh cleaners or soak leather in water. That’ll do more damage than good.
2. Condition Regularly — But Don’t Overdo It
Leather is skin. And like your own, it dries out fast in summer. Conditioning keeps it supple and helps prevent cracking or stiffness.
✅ Use a Leather Conditioner You Trust:
We recommend Fiebing’s Aussie Conditioner or Smith’s Leather Balm—both excellent for deep-conditioning without softening the structure of your holster or belt.
🔧 How Often?
-
For daily carry gear: Condition every 3–4 weeks in the summer.
-
For occasional use: Every 2–3 months is usually enough.
Apply a small amount with a clean cloth, rub it in gently, and buff with a dry rag. Don’t saturate—leather should feel nourished, not greasy.
3. Keep It Out of the Sun
Leaving your rig in direct sunlight—especially in a hot vehicle—can dry out and warp leather fast. It weakens the structure, fades the finish, and breaks down natural oils.
✅ Quick Tip:
Store gear in the shade when possible. If you're removing a holster in the car, place it under the seat or in the glovebox—not on the dash.
Avoid storing leather in plastic bags or sealed containers—these trap moisture and promote mold in humid weather.
4. Rotate and Rest Your Gear
Carrying the same holster or belt every single day in 90° heat can wear it down faster. If you’ve got more than one setup, rotate between them to give each piece time to dry and breathe.
✅ Bonus Tip:
Stuff the holster lightly with a clean rag or an unloaded firearm after use to help maintain its shape while it dries.
5. Store Smart: Airflow Matters
When you’re not using your gear, keep it in a cool, dry spot with airflow—not stuffed in a bag or drawer.
✅ Ideal Storage:
-
Hanging up belts or laying them flat
-
Holsters on a shelf or mounted on a rig board
-
Away from direct heat or AC vents
Leather needs to breathe. Let it.
Black Swamp Leather Care Recommendations
We don’t just make gear—we stand behind it. If you’re investing in premium leather, take a few simple steps to keep it performing like the day you got it.
🔨 Our Go-To Products:
-
Fiebing’s Aussie Conditioner – Heavy-duty, great for hot weather
-
Smith’s Leather Balm – All-natural, great for holsters and belts
-
Soft cotton cloths – For daily wipe-downs and applying conditioner
We’re looking to carry our own line of care kits in the near future—stay tuned.
Final Thoughts: Make It Last
Leather that’s built right can last a lifetime—but only if you take care of it. A few minutes of maintenance each week keeps your holster drawing smooth, your belt firm, and your rig looking sharp no matter how hot it gets out there.
Black Swamp Leather Company LLC gear is built for the long haul. Treat it right, and it’ll serve you well through every season.
➤ Need a fresh setup for the season?
Check out our handcrafted holsters, belts, and mag carriers built for daily carry in all conditions:
👉 www.blackswampleather.com
Leave a comment